Calgary train derailment sends cars into pond; TSB investigating

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating after several train cars toppled off the tracks in southwest Calgary and fell into a body of water.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) and Calgary Fire Department (CFD) were called to the 17000 block of Sheriff King Street S.W. at 7:50 a.m. Monday.

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“On arrival crews located a stopped train with multiple cars derailed and some in the water way running beside the train tracks,” said Alex Kwan, CFD public information officer, in a statement to CTV News.

CPS, using the HAWCS helicopter, was able to determine that 13 cars fell into the pond, commonly known as the Priddis Slough.

Officials say due to safety concerns at the crash site, the public is advised to avoid the area until further notice.

Canadian-Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) police and rail crews are at the scene.

Officials said the train cars involved in the derailment were carrying loads of lumber, plywood, propane and argon.

It’s not believed any of the cars ruptured in the derailment, but some construction and building materials have spilled.

Officials say there is “no imminent concern” to public safety.

“Calgary emergency officials on scene are reporting there are no indications of any leaks from the tanker cars. Additional CPKC crews are responding to the scene to begin a clean-up,” the railway said in a statement.

“The crew aboard the train was not injured. The cause of the incident is under investigation.”

CPS says Sheriff King Street S.W., between Silverton Way and Silverado Boulevard, will be closed in both directions for the next 36 hours.

The closure is in place to aid with the cleanup of the derailment.